MEK is aggressive and will easily remove paint--as you probably know. Try it on plastic, it will probably melt it. But that glue is good and strong. Of course once the MEK which is pretty volatile, evaporates, it's obviously not a problem.
Richard
The 3M clear emblem as well as the black and yellow weatherstripping adhesives are just contact cement on steroids. Automotive "plastic" emblems are secured w/ this stuff and stay for many years w/ no ill effects.. Even though it contains such "hostile" chemicals, MEK etc these dry rather quickly and as long as you don't apply large amounts the plastic should be OK. I perfer to use the 3M weatherstripping adhesive over the $$$ Wather's Goo.
Modeling B&O- Chessie Bob K. www.ssmrc.org
Back in the dark ages when it could be purchased over the counter I used MEK to weld styrene parts together. Once the smell went away, there was no further effect.
MEK itself is not an adhesive. It just carries adhesive to where it can work. It welded plastic the same way heat welds steel - by softening the mating parts so the base material flows together.
IIRC, plain MEK is now a controlled substance. Thanks, huffers!
Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)
Automotive emblems are usually attached using 3M double sided tape
Brought to you by the letters C.P.R. as well as D&H!
K1a - all the way
Cedar,
I use silicone adhesive for tacking down weights and like it because it's:
I bought a tube of it (DAP Household Adhesive Sealant) at my local hardware store and it should last me for quite a while. It's the same stuff they use for sealing the edges on aquariums.
Double-sided foam tape works and holds well, too. The downside though is that it protrudes more than a thin layer of silicon adhesive. I mainly use foam tape to affix decoders to the chassis.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
cedarwoodronI am not knowledgeable about the chemical effects of MEK on styrene, so perhaps a more learned modeler could comment on that,
MEK is a plastic solvent. It's been commonly used as a liquid plastic cement for modeling. By applying a small amount of it to a joint between two pieces of styrene, it welds the pieces together by melting them together.
MEK is the primary ingredient listed on my bottle of Testor's Plastic Model Cement by the way.
Chris van der Heide
My Algoma Central Railway Modeling Blog
MEK (butanone) is not a controlled substance. Some stores will choose not to sell it and claim legal reasons, but in most jurisdictions there are no restrictions.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Butanone
For attaching weights, I use DAP Household Silicone Adhesive and let it set up for a week or so before sealing the car. The flexible bond seems to make the car roll more quietly.
As Graham Line mentioned 2-butanone, also known as methy-ethyl-ketone (MEK), is not a controlled substance; however, it is used in the manufacturing of controlled substances and is probably not readily available in pure form by the general public. It is also a hazardous substance that should be respected when handled---adequate ventilation, gloves, eye protection are recommended.
Wayne
Modeling HO Freelance Logging Railroad.
I bought a quart can of MEK for about $10.00 at Lowe's Home Improvement (paint department) less than 2 months ago. Can't tell the difference between it and Tenax -7 for plastic assembly (as expected). At $5.00 an ounce, the equivalent price for the Tenax-7 is $160.00 - a no-brainer trade-off as far as I am concerned.
Regards,
John
"You are what you eat," said a wise old man. Oh Lord, if it's true, I'm a garbage can.
trollw I bought a quart can of MEK for about $10.00 at Lowe's Home Improvement (paint department) less than 2 months ago. Can't tell the difference between it and Tenax -7 for plastic assembly (as expected). At $5.00 an ounce, the equivalent price for the Tenax-7 is $160.00 - a no-brainer trade-off as far as I am concerned.
John, thanks for the information. That does surprise me as I thought there would be some restrictions placed on the retail sale of this solvent. Apparently I'm mistaken and appreciate knowing this, I'll look around some of our box stores and see if it is available in this State. I don't really need any, I'm just sort of curious.
cedarwoodronNow that I have heard about MEK from a number of you, I seem to recall that it was a commonly used item among serious modelers years ago. That being said, it must have to be used in very small amounts in any styrene application. Which begs another question- can it be used to re-attach Delrin or other acetal plastics together- think diesel diesel railings )?? Cedarwoodron
Will only marr the finish if that. Won't melt the platic together as with styrene.
Has anyone found a product that will successfully bond broken Delrin parts. I have only been able to repair w/ heat fusing which can distort or dab of epoxy.
I stand corrected on the MEK (methyl ethyl ketone) availability. I just came back from our local hardware store where this is sold by the quart. I couldn't find any information as to the purity level; however, it certainly is available at the retail level, which still surprises me.